Panel Oks School Project

Building Plan Passes Its First Test

CANTON — Renovation plans for the town's intermediate and junior-senior high school buildings got their first official stamp of approval Tuesday night from the permanent municipal building committee.

But more endorsements are necessary before voters have their say.

Committee members perused the plans at a meeting at the community center.

``The building committee voted to recommend the project to the board of selectmen unanimously,'' said Peter Reynolds, committee chairman.

Reynolds said he is hopeful the project will come to a referendum before the end of the year.

Proposed improvements at the buildings address needs for space, code compliance updates and recommendations from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The plan calls for an addition of slightly less than 30,000 square feet at the junior-senior high school. Intermediate school renovations are less extensive, but they call for expansion and moving the office of the superintendent of schools out of the building.

The building committee and the architect will present the plan to the boards of selectmen, finance and education at a meeting on Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the community center. All three boards must approve the plans before they go to referendum.

Members of the public are invited to all meetings.

In addition, tours of both schools will be held Nov. 23 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Residents seeking more information may access the ``Canton Schools Improvements'' program website at www.townofcantonct.org or www.cantonschools.org.